sonible launches smart:comp 3

sonible has announced smart:comp 3, a major update of its intelligent compressor plug-in. They say that the new release focuses on cleaner control and practical usability, introducing features that let users work with compression in more natural, semantic terms. Here's more details in their own words...

Sonic Intelligence driving the future of production

sonible's development approach has long used AI to achieve two goals: maximum precision in processing tailored to any audio material and the design of new, more intuitive workflows that go beyond what has been possible so far. Combining data-driven analysis with real-world mixing expertise, sonible's design philosophy "Sonic Intelligence" unites technical accuracy, intuitive usability, and a distinctly human creative workflow. 

Musical intention over plain numbers

In smart:comp 3, this design philosophy comes to life in the new Compression Matrix, a system that sharply reduces trial and error in compression. The tool achieves this by visualizing a spectrum of viable compressor settings derived from the input signal's characteristics. This gives users immediate insight into how far the material can be shaped in terms of its dynamic range. Instead of generating a single suggested setup, the plug-in maps out a field of possible configurations that can be explored in real time and lets users approach compression in ways that align with common musical intentions and terminology.

smart:comp 3 also extends its functionality to group processing. Multiple instances can be linked and controlled together for consistent compression across several tracks.

New key features in smart:comp 3

· Compression Matrix: Displays a range of compressor settings and allows smooth transitions between different compression characters.
· Compression Scope: Visualizes the viable compression range of the analyzed signal.
· Group Mode: Links multiple plug-in instances for shared control of threshold, ratio, attack, release, and mix. Enables batch adjustments from a single interface.
· Zero-latency Mode: Minimum-phase processing for live use and recording with no delay. Linear-phase mode remains available for mixing and post-production.
· Refined Input Riding: Stabilizes level variations prior to compression.
· Enhanced Style Control: Updated compression engines with defined attack and release behavior and refined saturation characteristics.
 
Like its predecessor, smart:comp 3 uses sonible's spectral compression technology to distribute high-resolution gain reduction across the frequency spectrum in real time. This approach maintains clarity and balance while avoiding the need for manual multiband setup.

smart:comp 3 continues sonible's concept of goal-oriented compression and provides a more direct way for users to balance technical control with musical intention.

Pricing and Availability:
smart:comp 3 is now available at an introductory price of € 89 (regular price: € 129) until January 12, 2026. Personalized upgrade pricing is available for existing sonible customers. 

More information:

• smart:comp 3

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